Picking your idea
Chances are if you’re reading this article, you already have an idea for a podcast.
But, if you don't, you’ll want to make sure that your topic is something that you could “go on and on about”.
This makes your content authentic, listeners can tell when a podcaster is truly passionate or not. It also ensures that you’ll have enough to talk about.
Don’t hold yourself back, it doesn’t matter if your topic is widely known. There are many niche market podcasts that have wide audiences.
Here are some questions to help you generate podcast ideas if you don’t have one already:
What do you know about? Why do you know about this topic? What would you like to know about? What are your abilities and talents? What subjects hold your attention the most? Why do they hold your attention? What content is trending right now? Should these trends continue? What would you like to see change? How are you going to make that change and/or encourage others to do the same? What kinds of people would you like to interview?
Equipment and Software
Once you have a solid idea, this is the equipment you will need to start a podcast and WHY:
- A dynamic microphone (condenser microphones will pick up more background noise)
- A pop filter (If your Mic doesn’t come with one. This will reduce your plosives and other harsh noises)
- Headphones (Be careful, some headphone brands condense your audio. That won’t give you an accurate idea of how your audio sounds)
- Microphone stand (to ensure your Mic is stable, and that you are speaking into the mic at the best angle possible
- Podcast media host (they help store your content, distribute your content, find promo codes, and offer support)
- Buffers / Soundproofing materials (to absorb unwanted soundwaves. Blankets and pillows work I promise)
- Audio editing software (Audacity is free!)
Buying used equipment can save you hundreds
If you’re new to podcasting, the investment cost may seem intimidating. You can easily spend thousands on equipment.
Buying used equipment is a great way to cut costs without sacrificing the quality of your podcast.
As long as the equipment works properly and includes instructions, there’s really no downside here. You can pick up quality used equipment on Ebay, Amazon, and Rockville.
Pick a name that’s search engine friendly
Even if you have the best content and perfect sound, your podcast could still fail if you aren’t able to reach your target audience.
In order to reach potential listeners, the name of your podcast needs to be something that will come up if someone searches for podcasts that cover your chosen topic.
For example, let’s say I’m producing a podcast about cooking. I’d name it something like Georgia Kitchen, Recipes Recorded, or Sweet Southern Cooking.
My potential listeners are going to search for words that are in my title, therefore my podcast will be suggested to them. I’m gaining listeners purely from the searchability of my title.
Think about your brand and building your listener base
Another great way to get the word out to potential listeners is social media.
Before you release your first episode, I suggest you make a Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook page for your podcast. Consider how you want to be perceived by your audience while making the accounts. Do your social media accounts match the “vibe” of your podcast?
To grow your potential listener base, follow groups and pages that pertain to your podcast.
If you’re producing a true crime series for example, search through related hashtags like #truecrime, #murdermystery, and #basedonatruestory. This is how you can find specific groups and accounts that may be interested in your podcast.
Record, Listen, Record, Listen, etc.
Audio quality is almost as important as the actual content of your podcast. If you have loud annunciations, jarring laughter, clicking, background noise, or other interruptions, this can turn your listeners off. It can even physically hurt their ears.
So, read all the instructions for your microphone. Every mic is different, and you may need to record differently because of that. The angle you speak into the microphone changes, for example. Generally you'll wan to use the "four fingers" rule, speaking into the mic at four finger lengths away.
Your recording space must be quiet, free of any street noise or outside distractions that could get picked up. I recommend staying away from windows, fans, and any AC or heating systems.
Closets work well as recording spaces because they’re full of soft material that absorbs any unwanted sound waves, but recording with blankets or pillows around also works. The goal is to filter out anything that isn’t an intentional part of the podcast.
The best way to improve your audio quality is to record then listen. Then do it over again. It may take awhile to get used to being recorded, but practice will help. It will also help you make adjustments to your process.
Guests and Co-Host
A great way to add value to your podcast is to include a co-host or invite guests.
However, if you do choose to record with others. Here are a couple tips,
First, make sure you’re not speaking over each other. Even if you’re both comfortable with this, it makes it harder for your listeners to understand and it’s harder to edit around interruptions.
If you want to reduce interruptions, try waiting two beats after the other person is done speaking to talk. This will show that you’ve given thought to what the other person said, and help you edit later.
Second, focus on the other person when you have guests. Don’t make it all about you, that’s what your regular content is for. Instead, showcase your guest’s talent or expertise. The reason they’re a guest is to share content that you might not offer.
It’s also important to treat your guests exceptionally well, not only because they are giving you their time, but also because attaining guests in the future depends on how you treat current ones.
If a guest is spoken over and disrespected, they’re going to tell others. Eventually word will get out, and it will be much harder to find people willing to be on your podcast.
A great way to reach out to potential guests and co-hosts is through email. Seamless.AI is a great resource to find emails and direct dials to build your podcasting network!
